The Bottom, Saba: After 13 years of dedicated service Ms. Rose Marie Hassell has called it quits. Ms. Hassell started out working at the Hon. Henry Every Old Age Home as a Nurse’s Assistant in 1997 and had reached the retirement age in 2007 but decided to stay on for another three years.
The board of the institution, management and staff held a surprise farewell party in her honor and during that ceremony president of the Benevolent Foundation Saba, Mr. Roy Smith, thanked her for her many years of dedicated service to the senior citizens of the home and also to the institution. Mr. Smith said that it is not easy in these times to find persons that would be willing to work at an Old Age Home and he was happy that Ms. Hassell had found it fitting to render her services. In recognition of her work the board of the institution decided to present her with a monetary retirement gift.
Also speaking at the occasion was the Director of the home, Ms. Roseta Riley, who also thanked her for her many years of dedication and service. Ms. Rose as we all called her was always willing and ready to assist wherever possible. Ms. Kim Withfield the longest nurse that worked with her said that she always enjoyed working with Ms. Hassell. We will miss her for the way in which she carried out her duties. On behalf of the staff Ms. Withfield then presented her with a gift.
Ms. Hassell said that she was not aware that the board and staff were organizing anything for her. I saw the place being decorated but never knew it was being done in my honor. I have always tried to do my best and to serve the senior citizens. It was always my dream to help serve our senior citizens. As I leave to go on vacation and then in retirement I look forward to the institution continuing to render good service to the senior citizens. I enjoyed what I was doing and now I will have more time to spend with my parents. I will miss the senior citizens but I know that they will be in good hands, she concluded. She thanked the board and also the entire staff for the good working relationship that she has enjoyed over the years.